Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 22, 2026
Subcutaneous Infection of Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA)
Published on: February 9, 2011
Community-acquired methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus infections in south Texas children
1Driscoll Children's Hospital, 3533 S. Alameda St., Corpus Christi, TX 78411, USA. fergiej@driscollchildrens.org
Background:
Community-acquired methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (CAMRSA) infections have increased dramatically from 1990 to 2000.
Objectives:
The objectives of this retrospective study were to report the frequency of CAMRSA isolates, to describe the spectrum of disease observed in children infected with CAMRSA and to compare the antibiotic susceptibility patterns of community-acquired and nosocomial methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) infections.
Methods:
All cases of S. aureus including MRSA infections were identified by a computer-assisted search of the Vitek system culture results from 1990 to 2000 and review of the minutes of Infection Control Committee meetings.
Results:
MRSA was isolated from 147 children (77 boys; 2 weeks to 17 years) from October 1, 1990, to December 31, 2000. Seven cases of CAMRSA were identified from 1990 to 1996, and 53 cases were identified from 1997 to 2000 with 35 cases occurring in 2000. Of the 128 children whose medical records were reviewed, 60 (47%) had CAMRSA infections. In 53 (88%) of these 60 children no risk factor for MRSA was identified. Soft tissue infections accounted for 48 (91%) of the 53 cases of the CAMRSA in children without known risk factors. CAMRSA isolates from children without known risk factors were more susceptible to trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (98% vs. 82%; P < 0.005) and clindamycin (92% vs. 57%; P < 0.001) and less susceptible to tetracycline (54% vs. 95%; P < 0.001) than were nosocomial MRSA isolates.
Conclusions:
The emergence of CAMRSA as a cause of common infections may require a change in the initial selection of antibiotics to assure appropriate coverage in critically ill children.
Insights
Community-acquired methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (CAMRSA) infections increased significantly in children. CAMRSA isolates showed higher susceptibility to trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole and clindamycin compared to hospital-acquired MRSA.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Infectious Diseases
- Microbiology
- Antibiotic Resistance
Background:
- Rising incidence of community-acquired methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (CAMRSA) infections observed between 1990 and 2000.
- CAMRSA has become a significant concern in pediatric populations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the frequency of CAMRSA isolates in children.
- To describe the clinical spectrum of CAMRSA infections in pediatric patients.
- To compare antibiotic susceptibility of community-acquired versus nosocomial MRSA.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of Staphylococcus aureus and MRSA infections from 1990-2000.
- Utilized Vitek system culture data and Infection Control Committee records.
- Reviewed medical records of infected children to identify risk factors and infection types.
Main Results:
- MRSA identified in 147 children; CAMRSA cases increased from 7 to 53 between 1997-2000.
- 60% of reviewed pediatric MRSA cases were community-acquired, often without identified risk factors.
- CAMRSA isolates from children without risk factors demonstrated greater susceptibility to trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole and clindamycin than nosocomial MRSA.
Conclusions:
- CAMRSA is an emerging cause of common pediatric infections.
- Initial antibiotic selection may need adjustment for critically ill children to ensure effective MRSA coverage.
- Understanding susceptibility patterns is crucial for guiding empirical treatment decisions.
Related Concept Videos
01:29Staphylococcal Skin Infections
01:25Mechanism of Antibiotic Resistance in MRSA
01:25Clinical Significance of Antibiotic Resistance